CVE-2005-1949 in ePing Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The eping_validaddr function in functions.php for the ePing plugin for e107 portal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters after a valid argument to the eping_host parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1949 resides within the ePing plugin for the e107 portal content management system, specifically in the eping_validaddr function located in the functions.php file. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being processed by the application. The vulnerability manifests when attackers manipulate the eping_host parameter, which is designed to validate host addresses for network ping operations. The function fails to adequately filter or escape shell metacharacters from the input, creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which categorizes command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper validation or sanitization. The eping_validaddr function processes the eping_host parameter without sufficient input validation, allowing attackers to append shell commands that get executed by the underlying operating system. This occurs because the function likely constructs system commands using user input directly, without proper escaping or filtering of special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that could alter command execution flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to e107 portal installations as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server with the privileges of the web application user. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for attacks against other systems. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by system commands. The recommended approach involves implementing proper escaping of shell metacharacters, utilizing whitelisting techniques for valid host addresses, and employing parameterized command execution where possible. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, the e107 community should be advised to upgrade to patched versions of the ePing plugin or implement proper input filtering mechanisms as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques, specifically focusing on preventing the execution of unauthorized system commands through web interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization in preventing command injection attacks, as outlined in various security standards including those referenced in the CWE database and MITRE ATT&CK framework.